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16 Placemaking Events Going on All Around the City This Weekend

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Does this scene look like a good time to you? There are tons of events like it going on this weekend. Photo: MPC

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Look no further. Below you’ll find a handy chart of all the fantastic community-building events going on from today through Sunday as part of the Metropolitan Planning Council’s Old Place, New Tricks placemaking competition. The contest inspired residents to energize under-used public spaces like vacant lots, plazas and corners with activities and installations.

More than a dozen organizations and individuals rose to the challenge, and there are 16 exciting events going on in communities ranging from Blue Island to Austin to Rogers Park. Happenings include a clothing swap, a sidewalk chalk drawing session, a pavilion for creating self-portraits, and even a watermelon seed spitting competition. Sustainable transportation fans won’t want to miss the Bronzeville Spoketacular, featuring bike repairs and sales from the new Bronzeville Bike Box mini-shop, a bike tour of locations where you can forage wild fruits and herbs and, best of all, a free ice cream social.

The public can vote online to choose their favorite placemaking event from the weekend. The three most successful placemakers will win $1,000 prizes, to be used for more ambitious projects in the future.

Event / ActivitiesAddressDateStartEnd
Playlot maintenance, massage pavilion6800 S Green StFriday9 a.m.12 p.m.
Grow Spaces Picnic4542 N Ravenswood AveFriday11 a.m.6 p.m.
Basketball, table games, facepainting4800 W Adams StFriday3 p.m.6 p.m.
La Sandia, Loteria!7070 N Clark StFriday3 p.m.6 p.m.
Taste of Division1200 N Long AveFriday3 p.m.7 p.m.
I Grow Chicago6402 S Honore StFriday4 p.m.6:30 p.m.
Pop-up juice bar, live music, info on local food options1947 W 63rd StRescheduled for Sept. 5TBDTBD
Movie in the Park4600 N Lawndale AveFriday6 p.m.10 p.m.
Activation Day at the Berm11900 Vincennes Ave, Blue IslandSaturday9 a.m.12 p.m.
Austin Peace Lot624 N Lorel AveSaturday10 a.m.
Building a children's sandbox8600 S Colfax AveSaturday10 a.m.
Building a temporary sculpture and picnic tables6953 S Dorchester AveSaturday10 a.m.5 p.m.
Groupon activates an abandoned space800 N Larrabee StSaturday11 a.m.
Games, t-shirt decorating, clothing swap1800 S Sangamon StSaturday12 p.m.5 p.m.
Chalk the Walk1100 N Sedgwick StSaturday3:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.
Selfie Sunday2635 N Milwaukee AveSunday10 a.m.4 p.m.
Bronzeville Spoketacular320 E 51st StSunday2 p.m.6 p.m.

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